Transgender basketballer Lexi Rodgers will continue her fight to be allowed to play in the NBL1 competition despite Basketball Australia ruling against her request to play for the Kilsyth Cobras.
Rodgers applied to play for the Cobras in the NBL1’s south division this season but an expert panel of BA’s chief medical officer, Dr Peter Harcourt, former Opals star Suzy Batkovic and Associate Professor Diana Robinson ruled that she was ineligible.
In announcing the decision, BA said it assessed “eligibility of prospective elite level transgender athletes on a ‘case-by-case’ basis, accounting for and balancing a range of factors”.
“As the governing body, we acknowledge we’re still on a path of education and understanding. To aid us in developing our framework, Lexi will provide feedback and advice from her experiences. The balance of inclusivity, fairness and the competitive nature of sport will always be a complex area to navigate, and we thank those involved who have maintained integrity and respect throughout the process.”
Rodgers posted on social media that she was disappointed with the decision but wrote that she hoped “be playing elite women’s basketball in the future and will continue to work on making the sport I love a place for all”.
“Basketball is one of the great loves of my life. Like so many people who play every week across the country, the basketball court is where I feel safe, where I feel free, and where I feel I belong. As an athlete, this passion and love for the game motivates me to play to the best of my abilities against the toughest competitors at the highest levels,” she wrote.
Lexi Rodgers. (Instagram)
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me as I have sought to participate in the NBL1 this season. The backing of the players, coaches, my club and grass roots members has been overwhelming. I am so grateful for their desire to have me as part of their community.
“I have been humbled by the number of people who have publicly spoken in favour of including me as a player in the NBL1. Such support fills me with pride, but also sends an honest message of equality to those who are also seeking belonging within sport.
“I sought a different outcome from Basketball Australia. I participated fully and in good faith with the process and eligibility criteria. Consistent with the views expressed by so many, I firmly believe I have a place as an athlete in women’s basketball.
“I hope Basketball Australia understands that this is not the end of my journey as an athlete and that it must not miss future opportunities to demonstrate its values. I am sad about the potential message this decision sends to trans and gender diverse people everywhere. I hope that one day basketball’s governing body can replicate the inclusion and acceptance I have found on the court with my teammates.”
Batkovic, a three-time Olympian, said she wanted to thank Rodgers for her “cooperation, understanding and patience throughout this process”.
“It’s a complex space that continues to evolve,” Batkovic said. “While Lexi is understandably disappointed with the outcome, I know she’ll continue to support her NBL1 South team throughout the season and be an active member of the basketball community.
“As we continue to develop our own framework for sub-elite and elite competitions, we understand the need to have a clear process and continual education within all layers of the sport so we can best support players, coaches, clubs, associations and the wider basketball community.
“I also want to make it clear because it’s important, that while this particular application was not approved based on criteria for elite competition, Basketball Australia encourages and promotes inclusivity at community level.”
Outspoken former Boomers centre Andrew Bogut also took to social media to say he thought it was the right decision.
“It is beyond alarming we live in a time where an ‘expert panel’ is needed to make these decisions. Don’t let the activists try and over complicate what is simple: Women’s sports are for Women.”
LGBTQI+ Australians seeking support with mental health can contact QLife on 1800 184 527 or visit qlife.org.au. ReachOut.com also has a list of support services.
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